driving from Maastricht to Bacharach

I haven't driven it directly, but I've done all the roads to and from. Two hours seems too generous. I would guess just under three would be more likely. The route, however, is fairly easy. The only portion that's a little confusing is the merger where A4 and A44 come together to the east of Aachen. This interchange has been under construction since I moved to Europe 4 years ago, and shows no signs of being finished any time soon. Just pay close attention to your lane and make sure you don't accidently turn off onto A44. It's pretty easy from there. Take A61 towards Koblenz, and take the exit for Bacharach. Descend down into the valley, and voila, you're there.

Since you're driving along the Autobahn network on this side of the Rhine, here's two BeyondtheBlueBook recommendations: the abbey of Maria Lach, and the twin towns of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. They sit in a gorgeous wine valley, and the walled well-preserved Ahrweiler section is yet another example of why Rothenburg odT isn't nearly as unique as some tourist literature claims.

Both of these are located just off A61.

With either car or train, it would be nice to have more time for this side-trip. Renting an automatic car for 24 hours through Auto Europe costs the same as renting for 3 days - about $220 without collision damage waiver or $255 with the insurance. You don't need the International Driver's License.

I have driven this route several times, the last time already four years ago. What Tom says is correct. From Maastricht it’s just driving to Aachen via A79 and A76/E314. Crossing the border the same road is now renumbered according the German system and has now number 4 with direction Köln. Keep following till clearly sign-posted “Kreuz Kerpen” , it’s a well-known intersection, turn right to follow highway 61 direction Koblenz till exit to Bacharach. However have no idea if this place is already sign-posted on the highway, with a good map or GPS wouldn’t be a problem to find.